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This leaflet gives general advice on how to use most eye drops. However, you may be given specific instructions which may vary from the advice below. If you have any queries, ask your pharmacist.

Using eye drops

Wash your hands and sit or stand in front of a mirror.

Take off the top of the bottle.

Bend your head backwards and gently pull your lower eyelid down.

Hold the dropper above one eye. Squeeze one drop into the pocket formed by gently pulling down the lower eyelid. Try not to touch your eye, eyelashes, or anything else with the dropper tip in order to keep it clean.

Let go of the eyelid and keep the eye closed for as long as possible (2-3 minutes at least) after application of the eye drop, with your head tilted down towards the floor.

Press gently on the tear duct (inner corner of the eye) with one finger for a minute.

Wipe away any liquid that falls on to your cheek with a tissue.

Repeat in the other eye if the drop is prescribed for both eyes.

When two different eye drop preparations are used at the same time of day, wait for at least five minutes before putting the second drop into an eye. This stops the first drop from being diluted or washed away.

Some useful tips about eye drops

Keep the bottle closed in a cool, dark place (unless otherwise advised).

Do not let the dropper or dropper nozzle touch your eye, fingers, or any other surface. This is to keep it free from germs.

Do not let anyone else use your drops and do not use anyone else's drops yourself.

Keep the eye drops out of children's reach.

Throw out the bottle (and get a new one if required) after the recommended time. This is often four weeks after first opening the bottle. There is a risk that the drops may become infected if they are kept and used for longer than advised. (One tip is to write the date that you opened the bottle on the label so you will know when it is time to throw it out.)

Some eye drops come in disposable single-dose units rather than in bottles.

You may get a taste of eye drops in your mouth, or a feeling that the drops are running down your throat. This is normal as the tear duct which drains tears to your nose will also drain some of the eye drop. To prevent this gently press on the tear duct for a minute or so after applying the drop. This will also help prevent any of the eye medication getting into the rest of your system,

Some eye drops sting or irritate for a short while. Rarely, some people are allergic to some eye drops. Tell your doctor if eye symptoms become worse after using eye drops.

Do not drive until your vision has cleared.

Do not wear contact lenses whilst using eye drops unless otherwise advised. (Some drugs and preservatives in eye drops can accumulate in soft contact lenses and may cause harm.)

There are devices available to help people who have difficulty squeezing the bottle accurately. Your pharmacist should be able to advise you on how to obtain one.

How to give eye drops to children

This will depend on the age and co-operation of the child but can be a challenge. Depending on their age, you can:

Sit the child with their head tilted back.

Lay them flat on their back.

Ask another adult to hold them securely.

Wrap the child in a blanket to keep their arms and legs still.

Then apply the drop using the same instructions above.

If the child is very distressed and if it is the only way you can administer the drop, there is another option. However, this does not work so well; therefore, only use it as a last resort. Lay the child on their back with their eyes closed. Allow the drop to fall on the skin just next to the inner corner of the eye by the nose. As the child opens their eyes, some of the drop should enter the eye.

Further reading & references

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.